Generation-specific owner insights from 28+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2008–2017 A5?283
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2008–2017
22
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners generally view the 8F7 A5 as a stylish, enjoyable car that rewards proper maintenance with high mileage and long-term reliability.
19 problems reported (2 very frequent, 10 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
The 3.2 V6 is repeatedly described as more reliable than the 2.0T, with owners calling it a "solid engine" and "definitely way more reliable than the 2.0." The 2.0 TDI diesel variants also receive strong praise for reliability, with one owner reporting 170,000 km with no issues. For the 2.0T, owners indicate the 2013 model year is when the oil consumption issues were fixed, making 2013+ 2.0T models the preferred choice within that engine family.
Owners compare it most often with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, Audi S3, Audi RS3 and Audi S4.
Is a 2008–2017 A5 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners generally view the 8F7 A5 as a stylish, enjoyable car that rewards proper maintenance with high mileage and long-term reliability. The 2.0T engine, particularly in early models, is frequently criticized for oil consumption and timing chain issues, while the 3.2 V6 and diesel variants receive more positive reliability reports. Later model years (2013+) are seen as improved, with owners noting that the 2.0T issues were largely addressed by 2013. Maintenance costs are a recurring concern, with owners advising budget buffers for repairs and emphasizing the importance of service history.
Owners cross-shopping the A5 against the A3 note the A5 is a step up in nearly every way except being newer. The S5 is frequently mentioned as a performance upgrade worth considering over the 2.0T A5. Japanese competitors like Lexus, Honda, and Toyota are positioned as more reliable and cheaper to maintain, with owners often recommending them to younger or budget-constrained buyers. BMW is occasionally mentioned dismissively, with one owner suggesting proper maintenance makes an Audi last longer than a BMW.
Owners recommend the 3.2 V6 for those seeking reliability in early model years, and the 2.0 TDI for diesel buyers. For the 2.0T, 2013 or later models are advised since the oil consumption issues were reportedly fixed that year. The 2018 model year (technically the next generation) is praised for its EA888 Gen 3 engine reliability, but this falls outside the 8F7 generation scope. Within the 8F7, owners suggest avoiding early 2.0T models unless the oil consumption fix has been documented.
This generation suits buyers who appreciate the design and driving experience and are willing to stay on top of maintenance. Owners strongly advise checking service history, getting a pre-purchase inspection from an Audi specialist, and verifying whether the oil consumption fix was performed on 2.0T models. Budget-conscious buyers are warned that 90,000-120,000 miles is a danger zone where major repairs become likely. Young or first-time buyers are often steered toward Japanese alternatives unless they have funds for potential repairs. Owners recommend finding a trusted independent Audi specialist rather than relying on dealerships, and keeping money set aside for maintenance.
Owners consistently emphasize that maintenance history is the single most important factor in this generation's reliability. Several high-mileage success stories (300,000+ km) exist but are always tied to meticulous maintenance. The 2.0T oil consumption issue was subject to a class action and extended warranty in some regions, which owners advise checking. Some owners report success with Liqui Moly oil additives for reducing oil consumption, though this is not universally endorsed. The 3.2 V6, while more reliable, is noted as rare and can suffer from carbon buildup and timing chain concerns at high mileage. Analysis based on approximately 28 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 2 | engine |
| 2016 | 7 | 3 | engine |
| 2015 | 9 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2014 | 29 | 3 | engine |
| 2013 | 38 | 3 | engine |
| 2012 | 36 | 2 | air bags |
| 2011 | 62 | 2 | air bags |
| 2010 | 84 | 2 | air bags |
| 2009 | 11 | 1 | structure |
| 2008 | 5 | 1 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2017 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
2017 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
2016 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
2016 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
2016 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
2015 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
2015 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
2014 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
2014 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 17V002000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can be blocked with debris from the cooling system, resulting in the pump overheating.
2014 · engine and engine cooling:cooling systemcampaign 18V229000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles. These vehicles, equipped with 2.0l Turbo FSI engines, have an electric coolant pump that can either become blocked with debris from the cooling system causing it to overheat or can short-circuit from moisture within the pump.
2013 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 17V622000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles. Contact corrosion within the electrical connector for the auxiliary heater may cause the heater wires to overheat or melt.
3 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.